By Yinka Giwa
President Bola Tinubu is being reported to have directed the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to proceed on leave ahead of the expiration of his tenure.
Yakubu, first appointed in November 2015 by the late former President Muhammadu Buhari and reappointed for a second term in 2020, is due to officially complete his tenure on October 21, 2025—less than 30 days from now.
The directive from the President effectively brings Yakubu’s time at the helm of the electoral body to an early close. Though no official reason was given, the move is seen as part of a routine administrative transition, as the Commission prepares for leadership succession.
Yakubu presided over two General Elections, the 2019 and 2023 polls, as well as multiple off-cycle governorship elections. His tenure was marked by significant electoral reforms, including the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV).
However, his leadership also drew criticism from some political actors and civil society groups, particularly over the conduct of the 2023 elections.
An acting chairman is expected to be appointed by the President in the coming days to oversee the Commission until a substantive successor is named and confirmed by the National Assembly.
INEC is regarded as a critical institution for Nigeria’s democracy, and the transition in its leadership comes at a sensitive time, with several off-cycle governorship elections and preparations for future polls on the horizon.
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